On a dominant day for Richmond against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium last Saturday, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick was particularly pleased with the performance of his captain Trent Cotchin, who has battled a nagging hamstring injury this year.

Cotchin, playing just his seventh game for the season, and fourth since Round 3, was a prime mover in Richmond’s 92-point victory over the Suns.

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The star midfielder finished the match with 27 disposals, six clearances, five inside-50s, four marks, two goals, 10 score involvements and 422 metres gained.

“He was terrific . . . We always knew it was going to take a little bit of time, but he’s starting to get some consistency,” Hardwick said.

“What we do like is the ability for him to play a little bit forward as well, which we saw today.

“He’s very creative, very strong with the ball, and certainly makes those players around him better.

“It was certainly a step forward for him.

“And it was good to get some other players through the centre bounce as well. Shane Edwards was there to help and Shai (Bolton) also.

“The more we can spread that load, and not expect Trent and Dustin (Martin) to do that consistently, is a really valuable weapon for us going forward.”